The Atlanta Braves are off to a strong start to kick off the 2013 baseball season, Freddie Freeman included. However, Freeman found himself out of the lineup prior to Sunday's game and officially on the disabled list. The first baseman was placed on the 15-day disabled list for a right oblique strain. Freeman was visibly upset by the move, claiming the team did not consult him before making the decision.
Freeman is hitting a .417 batting average, including one home run and seven RBIs through the first five games of the season. He was examined by the team's medical staff after Saturday night's 6-5 win against the Chicago Cubs. Freeman believed everything was ok until he arrived at Turner Field on Sunday and learned about the disabled list move.
"They didn't even give me a choice. It's my career. I should be able to make that decision. They didn't even tell me anything. I don't know what's going on. I'm pretty angry right now," Freeman said.
Freeman said that the oblique injury first occurred during a team work out on March 31 prior to the season beginning. He had intended on playing through the pain. He was seen wincing and favoring his right side while running after hitting an RBI single on Saturday. Braves general manager supported his decision to place Freeman on the DL, saying he was just protecting the young player.
"Especially this early in the season, we're not going to take a chance to turn what would be two to three weeks into six or eight weeks by tearing that oblique area," Wren said.
Rookie catcher Evan Gattis will take Freeman's spot as the cleanup batter in the lineup, while third baseman Chris Johnson will make starts at first base. Blake DeWitt was brought up from Triple-A to take Freeman's spot on the roster.
Wren said he was not upset that Freeman voiced his opinion on the decision. He understands that Freeman wants nothing more than to be with the team and play, but being catious with the injury is important.
"This is not one of those situations where we want to lose him for the whole first half by letting him go out and tear that oblique area, and then we're dealing with a whole different injury," Wren said.
